IGP withdraws all policemen attached to ex-Kogi governor

The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has ordered the withdrawal of all policemen attached to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.

The directive, contained in a police wireless message, comes amidst the embattled former governor’s legal troubles and being placed on the Nigerian Immigration Service watchlist.

The order relayed through a police wireless message, emphasized strict compliance with the withdrawal of security personnel assigned to Bello.

The document read in part, “IG has ordered the withdrawal of all policemen attached to His Excellency and former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

“Acknowledge compliance and treat with utmost importance. Please, above, for your information and strict compliance.”

This comes after the Federal Government placed Yahaya Bello, the immediate-past governor of Kogi state on its watchlist.

Security agencies in the country have been alerted and the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, ordered to arrest him at any entry and exit point.

This was disclosed by the Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, in a memo.

The memo was addressed to the Director General, Department of State Services, DSS, the Inspector General of Police and the Director General, National Intelligence Agency, NIA.

The memo which was signed by ACI DS Umar included the details of Bello’s international passport.

It read in part: “I am directed to inform you that the above named person has been placed on watch list.

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“Suffice to mention that the subject is being prosecuted before the Federal High Court Abuja for Conspiracy, Breach of Trust and Money Laundering vide letter Ref; CR; 3000/EFCC/LS/EGCS.1/TE/V1/279 dated 18 April 2024. If seen at any entry or exit point, he should be arrested and referred to the Director of Investigation or contact 08036226329/07039617304 for further action.

“Please accept as always the Comptroller General warmest regards and esteem.”

Recall the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared Bello wanted in connection to a money laundering case totalling N80.2 billion.

The EFCC had earlier declared Bello wanted and was granted a warrant of arrest by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Efforts by the EFCC to apprehend Bello were foiled by the current Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, and his security team escorting Bello away from his residence.